‘My life, what is the matter?’ exclaimed Proserpine.
The knocking was repeated and increased. There was also a loud shout of ‘treason, murder, and fire!’
‘What is the matter?’ exclaimed the god, jumping out of bed and seizing his trident. ‘Who is there?’
‘Your pages, your faithful pages! Treason! treason! For the sake of Hell, open the door. Murder, fire, treason!’
‘Enter!’ said Pluto, as the door was unlocked.
And Terror and Rage entered.
‘You frightful things, get out of the room!’ cried Proserpine.
‘A moment, my angel!’ said Pluto, ‘a single moment. Be not alarmed, my best love; I pray you be not alarmed. Well, imps, why am I disturbed?’
‘Oh!’ said Terror. Rage could not speak, but gnashed his teeth and stamped his feet.
‘O-o-o-h!’ repeated Terror.